WB Govt makes online system for credit confirmation mandatory

Kolkata, Aug 26: The West Bengal government has made “Online System for Credit Confirmation-cum-Release of Funds” as a mandatory e-governance activity with the object of expeditious release of funds under different “Central assisted” programmes along with proportionate state share. A notification has been issued in this regard. The department had introduced the “Online System for Credit Confirmation-cum-Release of Funds” with effect from September 2014 but it was not made mandatory then. The departments have been sending files both through online as well as offline to the Finance (Budget) department for confirmation of credit of funds received from the Union government under Central Assistances to State Plan Schemes. Through the offline system, a considerable time elapsed between sending a file for credit confirmation, releasing of funds and sending back the file to the administrative department after approval from the finance department. It also caused delay in utilisation of funds for the development and social welfare projects of the state. ' The compulsory online mode will help in rapid release of funds for speedy implementation of developmental projects by the administrative departments, ' a senior official of the Finance department said. Apart from stating the guidelines of the mandatory online system, the notification also lists the cases in which the administrative department shall be required to send manual files for the purpose of credit confirmation in respect of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) for the release of central share and as well as matching state shares. The cases are the loans and grants received for adjustment of payment made under Direct Procedure of EAP [Externally Aided Project]. For the Central assistances which were released in earlier financial year but the administrative department could not utilise the entire amount of the Central Share within the last date of the previous financial year. For the release of Advance Central Share which are yet to be received or receivable after release of funds by the Finance department or completion of the project or submission of the utilisation certificate to the Central government and for the Central assistance received prior to the Financial Year 2010-2011, besides, matching state share of Central shares of schemes which are not routed through the state treasuries. Under this system the administrative department shall not be required to send files to the Finance department for purpose of credit confirmation in respect of Central assisted schemes and release of Central and state shares. The Credit Confirmation and release of State Share including Central Assistances will be done mandatorily online. UNI